Take the Stress Out of Home Buying – Part # 1

Posted on May 3, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Take the Stress Out of Home Buying – Part # 1
Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your

dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as

peaceful as possible.

1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying

is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one.

It’s critical that the REALTOR® you choose is both highly skilled

and a good fit with your personality.

Why choose a REALTOR®?

Only real estate agents in the U.S. that belong to the National

Association of Realtors are REALTORS®. Why is this important?

Being a REALTOR® means you subscribe to a Code of Ethics

REALTORS^® are committed to treating all parties to a transaction

honestly. REALTORS^®subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. The Code

of Ethics establishes obligations that, in many cases, are higher

than those mandated by state license law.

_____________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes April 2011

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes April 2011

A list of the Top Best Buy Caledonia Michigan Houses to buy

based on price per square foot. Price per square foot is a

great leveler. If two similar homes are listed at similar prices, their

price per square foot should be similar. The price should reflect the

interior finish of the home. For example, if the home has a newer

kitchen, wood floors, & remodeled bathrooms, this would be more per

square foot than a home that still has 1990’s decor and/or is in

derelict or “tired” condition.

April 2011 TOP BEST BUY Caledonia MI Homes

Highest list price – $314,900

Lowest list price – $46,980

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $51.63 to $97.44

The Top 21 Caledonia Homes to Buy by Price/Square Foot:

8650 Acorn Ave $ 46,980 910 Sq Ft $51.63/SqFt

601 Acorn St $ 79,900 998 Sq Ft $80.06/SqFt

8530 Beaver SE $ 99,000 1352 Sq Ft $73.22/SqFt

7050 84th St $105,000 1400 Sq Ft $75.00/SqFt

401 Emmons St SE $119,900 1578 Sq Ft $75.98/SqFt

6590 Hayfield Rd $154,900 1837 Sq Ft $84.32/SqFt

6989 68th St $159,800 1640 SqFt $97.44/SqFt

6575 Hayfield Rd $172,900 2680 Sq Ft $64.51/SqFt

327 Johnson St $174,500 3000 Sq Ft $58.17/SqFt

7458 E Morgan Ln $177,750 2136 Sq Ft $83.22/SqFt

7479 E Morgan Ln $184,769 2216 Sq Ft $83.38/SqFt

6126 S Costner Ct $189,900 2085 Sq Ft $91.08/SqFt

6641 Woodville Ct $199,000 2066 Sq Ft $96.76/SqFt

6050 Glengarry Dr $199,900 2130 Sq Ft $93.85/Sq Ft

8435 Curley Trail $205,000 2482 Sq Ft $82.59/SqFt

8462 Curley Trail $225,000 3000 Sq Ft $75.00/SqFt

7841 Kraft Ave SE $225,000 2541 Sq Ft $88.55/SqFt

6162 Costner Ct $228,900 2390 Sq Ft $95.77/SqFt

8791 Costner Dr SE $247,000 2700 Sq Ft $91.48/SqFt

7434 E Morgan Ln Ct $250,000 2696 Sq Ft $92.73/SqFt

10270 Southridge Dr $314,900 3324 Sq Ft $94.74/SqFt

The homes this month in Caledonia real estate are mostly middle

to upper end homes, with only 3 homes under $100K in price. Activity

is ramping up with the advent of spring, as 22 homes went pending

in the last month, 10 sold.

Price is still a huge factor, the average sale was under $150K range.

Since the low sold was $ 25,000 and the high was over $1,000,000,

this is quite a spread. Distressed properties were about 25-30% of

sales in the last month and there were fewer available on the market.

SEARCH CALEDONIA MI HOMES

More Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Articles

Home Buying Questions Answered

Home Buying List a Must

***Please note that this list can change daily as some homes

sell, prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.

If you would like to see a Caledonia Top Best Buys Home, please

contact me: 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

or email me at terry@terrywestbrook.com

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Top 5 Reasons to Move to Caledonia Michigan

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Top Five Reasons to Move to Caledonia Michigan:

Rural, Suburban setting
Low Population density
Highly rated public school system
Proximity to Grand Rapids, Lansing, Holland
Close-knit community

Caledonia Michigan has a small village, an expanding commercial and

life style sector building up on M-37 to the east of the village. The new

Caledonia Township offices and a newly constructed library are now

residing here. While lots of rural farm land and suburban housing

is sprinkled all over Caledonia Township, the public schools system

consists of 9 schools. The high school campus is located just west

of the village off Kraft Avenue.

You can register on our website and have up-to-date emails sent

to you with the newest listings in Caledonia sent right to your mail-box

every 24 hours.

SEARCH CALEDONIA HOMES

Additional Caledonia Michigan Articles

________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Comparing Caledonia and Lowell School Districts in West Michigan

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Comparing Caledonia and Lowell School Districts in West Michigan

If you are considering a move to the suburban/rural communities of

Caledonia or Lowell on the southeast side of Grand Rapids, how do they

compare? Besides the obvious answers of the local businesses,

size, and culture, the school system is usually a large drawing card to

attract local inhabitants.

Let’s see how the 2 public schools compare:

Caledonia is a Class A public school system

7 schools
3501 students
85.8% proficiency rate in Math & Reading
Median household income = $81,718
92.2% graduation rate
Average SAT score = 1169
Average ACT score = 22

Lowell is a Class A public school system

8 schools
3897 students
95.7% proficiency rate in Math & Reading
Average household income = $98,326
91.7% graduation rate

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes March 2011

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes March 2011

A list of the Top Best Buy Caledonia Michigan Houses to buy

based on price per square foot. Price per square foot is a

great leveler. If two similar homes are listed at similar prices, their

price per square foot should be similar. The price should reflect the

interior finish of the home. For example, if the home has a newer

kitchen, wood floors, & remodeled bathrooms, this would be more per

square foot than a home that still has 1990’s decor and/or is in

derelict or “tired” condition.

March 2011 22 TOP BEST BUY Caledonia MI Homes

Highest list price – $314,900

Lowest list price – $39,900

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $36.10 to $97.44

The Top 16 Caledonia Homes to Buy by Price/Square Foot:

6320 Buttrick Ave $ 39,900 750 Sq Ft $53.20/SqFt

8650 Acorn Ave $ 52,200 910 Sq Ft $57.36/SqFt

114 Johnson St $ 69,900 1200 Sq Ft $58.25/SqFt

8601 Acorn St $79,900 998 Sq Ft $80.06/SqFt

232 Church St SE $79,900 2100 Sq Ft $38.05/SqFt

7414 Orlee St SE $99,900 1620 Sq Ft $61.67/SqFt

8530 Beaver SE $114,900 1352 Sq Ft $84.99/SqFt

9949 Whitneyville $119,900 1666 Sq Ft $71.97/SqFt

401 Emmons St SE $119,900 1578 Sq Ft $75.98/SqFt

7050 84th St $125,000 1400 Sq Ft $89.29/SqFt

119 W Johnson St $129,900 1664 Sq Ft $78.06/SqFt

8559 Grainery Rd SE $162,870 1800 Sq Ft $90.48/SqFt

6575 Hayfield Rd $172,900 2680 Sq Ft $64.51/SqFt

327 Johnson St $174,500 3000 Sq Ft $58.17/SqFt

7458 E Morgan Ln $177,750 2136 Sq Ft $83.22/SqFt

6126 S Costner Ct $189,900 2085 Sq Ft $91.08/SqFt

6050 Glengarry Dr $199,900 2130 Sq Ft $93.85/Sq Ft

8500 Rainbows End $199,999 2372 Sq Ft $84.32/SqFt

5754 Duncan Cove Ln $200,000 2414 SqFt $82.85/SqFt

8791 Costner Dr SE $247,000 2700 Sq Ft $91.48/SqFt

7434 E Morgan Ln Ct $250,000 2696 Sq Ft $92.73/SqFt

10270 Southridge Dr $314,900 3324 Sq Ft $94.74/SqFt

From the sublime to the bargain basement, the homes this month

in Caledonia real estate are mostly middle to upper end homes, with

only 25% being under $100K in price. Activity is ramping up with the

advent of spring, as 6 homes went pending in the last month, 2 sold.

Price is still a huge factor, the majority of sold homes were in the

$150K range.

Appears to be a shortage of mid-ranged homes in great condition.

If a Caledonia home is where you would like to live,

interest rates are at historically low rates and the most wanted

homes inventory is shrinking. Waiting to see the bottom of the market

could be a mistake, new mortgage requirements will take effect in

about 10 days, which will mean you pay more for less house.

SEARCH CALEDONIA MI HOMES

More Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Articles

Home Buying Questions Answered

Home Buying List a Must

***Please note that this list can change daily as some homes

sell, prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.

If you would like to see a Caledonia Top Best Buys Home, please

contact me: 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

or email me at terry@terrywestbrook.com

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Michigan Sunday Open Houses 3-13-2011 (1)

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Michigan Sunday Open Houses 3-13-2011

Sunday Open Houses are a great way to preview homes and take

a look at what is available for what price in a local area. The times

are usually 2 hours in length, sometimes longer, which gives you lots

of leeway if you want to see a few homes you weren’t planning on

visiting on the way.

Open Houses are an excellent way to see if buying a different home

is feasible or if you would be better off staying where you are. Price and

amenities in any local area should let you know if you are in the ball park

or not. If that killer bedroom suite you have been wishing for is only showing

up in homes way out of your price range, then it just isn’t an option. Time to

go home and give the master bedroom a new coat of paint, organize the

closet and let that dream go for now.

There are 48 Open Houses in Grand Rapids this coming Sunday:

GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN SUNDAY OPEN HOUSES Mar 13, 2011

Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Market Report by School District 2007-2010

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Market Report by School District 2007-2010

Real Estate is always local. Grand Rapids is such a large metropolitan

area, the real estate market report for the whole area is not necessarily

true for your specific neighborhood. Some areas are growing and some

areas are shrinking in population. Hopefully this report will give you a

glimpse of the big Grand Rapids picture by looking at the suburban pieces.

sub

We have split the Grand Rapids area up by public school district,

to give a logical approach to this report. This is a macro neighborhood

report, not a micro report. Bear in mind, these are average home prices for

large areas, not specific neighborhoods.

Belding

2010 – $ 59, 747

2009 – $ 55,110

2008 – $ 71,758

2007 – $ 100,416

Byron Center

2010 – $ 157,555

2009 – $ 160,220

2008 – $ 185,707

2007 – $ 200,766

Caledonia

2010 – $ 151,199

2009 – $ 153,360

2008 – $ 163,983

2007 – $ 191,724

Cedar Springs

2010 – $89,116

2009 $ 85,493

2008 – $ 99,170

2007 – $128,705

Comstock Park

2010 – $109,471

2009 – $ 112,010

2008 – $114,348

2007 – $138,251

East Grand Rapids

2010 – $236,347

2009- $ 230,518

2008 – $ 224,625

2007 – $279,909

Forest Hills

2010 – $229,430

2009 – $ 224,558

2008 – $ 272,793

2007 – $ 267,817

Godfrey-Lee

2010 – $32,959

2009 – $ 33,834

2008 – $ 41,515

2007 – $ 71,748

Godwin Heights

2010 - $41,771

2009 – $ 42,149

2008 – $ 53,574

2007 – $ 91,708

Grand Rapids

2010 – $58,696

2009 – $ 58,936

2008 – $ 65,803

2007 – $ 99,233

Grandville

2010 – $130,843

2009 – $ 135,538

2008 – $ 144,222

2007 – $ 162,095

Hudsonville

2010 – $144,483

2009 –

2008 –

2007 –

Jenison

2010 – $121,783

2009 – $ 123,639

2008 – $ 131,184

2007 – $ 139,372

Kelloggsville

2010 – $57,605

2009 – $ 57,135

2008 – $ 70,897

2007 – $ 93,322

Kenowa Hills

2010 – $ 116,720

2009 – $ 116,917

2008 – $ 124,367

2007 – $ 151,869

Kentwood

2010 – $97,418

2009 – $ 100,561

2008 – $ 114,940

2007 – $ 141,804

Lowell

2010 – $131,349

2009 – $ 127,542

2008 – $ 135,123

2007 – $ 164,888

Northview

2010 – $120,368

2009 – $ 116,275

2008 – $ 148,128

2007 – $ 160,557

Rockford

2010 – $158,455

2009 – $ 157,624

2008 – $ 176,048

2007 – $ 198,416

Wyoming

2010 – $63,976

2009 – $ 67,784

2008 – $ 82,756

2007 – $109,009

After doing this report, we can certainly see why Grand Rapids

is one of the TOP 5 best places in the country to buy a home

at a reasonable price.

photo of Grand Rapids Children’s Museum by Bonnie Westbrook

SEARCH GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

_____________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes – Feb 2011

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes February 2011

A list of the Top Best Buy Caledonia Michigan Houses to buy

based on price per square foot. Price per square foot is a

great leveler. If two similar homes are listed at similar prices, their

price per square foot should be similar. The price should but doesn’t

always reflect the interior finish of the home.

For example, if the home has a newer kitchen, wood floors,

& remodeled bathrooms, this would be more per square foot than a

home that still has 1990’s decor and/or is in derelict or tired condition.

February 2011 TOP BEST BUY Caledonia MI Homes

Highest list price – $314,900

Lowest list price – $44,900

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $36.10 to $97.44

The Top 16 Caledonia Homes to Buy by Price/Square Foot:

6320 Buttrick Ave $ 39,900 750 Sq Ft $53.20/SqFt

8782 66th Street $ 56,320 1560 Sq Ft $36.10/SqFt

6800 Kegel Ave $ 59,900 1069 Sq Ft $56.03/SqFt

114 Johnson St $ 69,900 1200 Sq Ft $58.25/SqFt

8601 Acorn St $84,900 998 Sq Ft $85.07/SqFt

8530 Beaver SE $114,900 1352 Sq Ft $84.99/SqFt

9949 Whitneyville $119,900 1666 Sq Ft $71.97/SqFt

7102 Channel Dr $119,900 1624 Sq Ft $73.83/SqFt

7050 84th St $125,000 1400 Sq Ft $89.29/SqFt

119 Johnson St $129,900 1664 Sq Ft $78.06/SqFt

6240 Whitneyville $144,900 1836 Sq Ft $78.92/SqFt

6575 Hayfield Rd $172,900 2680 Sq Ft $64.51/SqFt

327 Johnson St $174,500 3000 Sq Ft $58.17/SqFt

6050 Glengarry Dr $199,900 2130 Sq Ft $93.85/Sq Ft

10270 Southridge Dr $314,900 3324 Sq Ft $94.74/SqFt

Fewer bargain houses in Caledonia real estate under $100K,

as 12 homes went pending in the last month, 2 sold. Price is still

being driven downward UNLESS homes are in great condition and

even that isn’t a guarantee that the home will sell quickly.

Appears to be a shortage of mid-ranged homes in great condition.

If a Caledonia home is where you would like to live,

interest rates are at historically low rates and inventory

is shrinking. Waiting to see the bottom of the market could

be a mistake, new mortgage requirements will take effect in

about 40 days, which will mean you pay more for less house.

SEARCH CALEDONIA MI HOMES

More Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Articles

Home Buying Questions Answered

Home Buying List a Must

***Please note that this list can change daily as some homes

sell, prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.

If you would like to see a Caledonia Top Best Buys Home, please

contact me: 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

or email me at terry@terrywestbrook.com

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Michigan Sunday Open Houses 2-20-2011

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Michigan Sunday Open Houses 2-20-2011

Sunday Open Houses are a great way to preview homes and take

a look at what is available for what price in a local area. The times

are usually 2 hours in length, sometimes longer, which gives you lots

of leeway if you want to see a few homes you weren’t planning on

visiting on the way.

Open Houses are an excellent way to see if buying a different home

is feasible or if you would be better off staying where you are. Price and

amenities in any local area should let you know if you are in the ball park

or not. If that killer bedroom suite you have been wishing for is only showing

up in homes way out of your price range, then it just isn’t an option. Time to

go home and give the master bedroom a new coat of paint, organize the

closet and let that dream go for now.

There are 74 Open Houses in Grand Rapids this Sunday:

GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN SUNDAY OPEN HOUSES FEB 20, 2011

Caledonia MI Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report – Crystal Springs Jan-Dec 2010

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Caledonia MI Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report- Crystal Springs Jan-Dec 2010

Crystal Springs Development in Caledonia, Michigan is a large, residential

suburban housing development that was started in the late 1980′s and

most construction was finished in the 1990′s although some newer homes

have been built since 2000. There are also a few vacant lots left to develop.

This development covers a large area around the Stonewater Golf Course

at Crystal Springs south of 68th Street to 72nd Street and encompassing

Kalamazoo Avenue on the east and west. This development has single

family homes and condos, many located right on the Stonewater Golf Course.

The public school system is Kentwood, even though the address is Caledonia.

Crystal Springs is close to the shopping plaza at 68th and Kalamazoo,

Kentwood High School, and a short hop to M-6, which is the south beltline for

the Greater Grand Rapids area connecting US 131 on the west and I96 on the

east side of the city.

Crystal Springs Neighborhood Market Report:

Active Listings: 4

Average Price: $249,700

Price per Sq Ft: $112.36 (Main Floors only)

PENDING: 2 homes

SOLD: 21 Sold Homes

Average Price: $ 219,567

Average Price Per Sq Ft: $ 103.10 (Main floors only)

Average Days on the Market: 152

Absorption Rate for Crystal Springs Listings is 2.2 months

for the current housing inventory. If no other homes enter the market,

it will take 2.2 months for the current homes to sell at the current

rate of sales.

Crystal Springs Homes that are priced competitively are selling.

As you can see by the statistics, most of the homes that have their

price around $100/square foot are selling. Sales have started to

rebound in this neighborhood from the last few years abysmal rates.

Although on the downside, the average sold price has fallen again

this year.

SEARCH for Caledonia Michigan Homes

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Reports

SEARCH for Kentwood Michigan Homes

If you would like additional information about Caledonia

or Kentwood Homes, please contact me directly at

1-888-240-1968 ext 6

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater

Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids

Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community,

great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Category Archives: Caledonia Michigan Real Estate

Take the Stress Out of Home Buying – Part # 1

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes April 2011

SEARCH CALEDONIA MI HOMES

Top 5 Reasons to Move to Caledonia Michigan

SEARCH CALEDONIA HOMES

Comparing Caledonia and Lowell School Districts in West Michigan

Comparing Caledonia and Lowell School Districts in West Michigan

Let’s see how the 2 public schools compare:

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes March 2011

SEARCH CALEDONIA MI HOMES

Grand Rapids Michigan Sunday Open Houses 3-13-2011 (1)

Grand Rapids Michigan Sunday Open Houses 3-13-2011

GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN SUNDAY OPEN HOUSES Mar 13, 2011

Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Market Report by School District 2007-2010

Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Market Report by School District 2007-2010

SEARCH GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes – Feb 2011

SEARCH CALEDONIA MI HOMES

Grand Rapids Michigan Sunday Open Houses 2-20-2011

Grand Rapids Michigan Sunday Open Houses 2-20-2011

GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN SUNDAY OPEN HOUSES FEB 20, 2011

Caledonia MI Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report – Crystal Springs Jan-Dec 2010

Caledonia MI Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report- Crystal Springs Jan-Dec 2010